This game was played in the early season against a strong President’s Grade team of Christchurch High School Old Boys. Batting first the Willows did not do as well as we had hoped. Despite perfect batting conditions and such talent as Cusack, Harris and McKenzie, the first four wickets fell for a paltry 37 runs. McKenzie was the mainstay of the innings with a fine 76, with useful contributions from Bailey, Fairbairn and Thiele – all making exactly 17 apiece. A hundred and fifty runs on the perfect Willows wicket would be regarded as an undefendable total.

However the Willows XI rose to the challenge. The bowling led by Thiele was outstanding. Thiele with 1/15 off 10 overs was easily the best of the Willows bowlers. Harris (2/26), Burrell (1/11) and Fairbairn (2/19) all provided good support. Although Page at one stage threatened to take the game away from the Willows, the issue was never in doubt after his dismissal, the Willows winning comfortably by one run!